Designer Vladimir Cesler penned a City Car that can be ordered as a hatchback or as a crossover coupe, though the final design decisions will also be democratized and left up to online voters who visit Prokhorov’s blog. The retro two-tone paintjobs are non-negotiable, however, and are planned as a brand signature.

The natural gas-electric hybrid is expected to weigh less than 1,500 lbs and will be able to achieve around 65 mpg. Acceleration from 0-60 is in the wide range of 8 seconds to 14 seconds (“according to modification”) while the maximum speed is limited to 74 mph.

No word on batteries or drivetrain, but Prokhorov says it’s a modular design that can be adapted to different exteriors. “A single platform allows us to bridge the gap between engineers and car designers,” wrote Prokhorov on his blog. “In addition, we have eliminated the need for the services of expensive Western bodywork studios, working instead on the design of the national team of Russian experts.”

Perhaps the most interesting spec is the vehicle’s projected cost. Estimates for what Russian hybrid owners would pay originally hovered around $10,000, but have risen to between $12,000 and $14,000. Prokhorov says that the coupe is aimed at stylish youth and a City Car hatchback “should be in every Russian family.”

While the cars only exist on screen for now, Prokhorov has promised prototypes by December and has made it clear that the City Car is aimed squarely at the domestic market. “Today the main thing that we want to declare,” wrote Prokhorov, “is that the car will really be RUSSIAN!”

Images: City Car Blog

Authors: Keith Barry

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